In order to enhance client care and increase cultural competency the presentation will use research and case examples to highlight the importance of gender specific substance abuse treatment for women. Women often become addicted within the context of close interpersonal relationships and they are more likely to relapse within that context as well. Women entering treatment often lack economic opportunity, lack support (both financial and emotional) for their treatment, are the primary care givers for their children and have significant trauma history. Women are more likely to have co-occurring mental health and were more likely to have begun using as a means to self-medicate and alleviate the negative symptoms.

The purpose of this presentation is to emphasize the importance of gender specific substance abuse treatment for women in order to improve treatment outcomes for our clients. The topics that will be covered will include the following: Substance use assessment using the DSM-5, gender specific screen tools, the path to addiction – how is it different for women?, barriers women face in accessing treatment, making treatment gender specific, and understanding our own bias.

CEUs – 6

For more information and details about location please call: 401-521-5759
To register, please visit the SUMHLC website